Guardsman or private

[djcrtoye]

I have just received a photograph of my wifes great uncle grave. He was with the Scots Guards and died in 1916. On the this photo you can see graves either side of his with 'Guardsman' and his with private on it.

Is there a reason for this because there are 10 graves of Scots Guards who died on the same day all buried together. Did the family have any input to what was on the grave or was it the CWGC who put the details on, it also his name is in full while the graves either side have their initial of their christian name on it, so very confusing to see what is happening here. Thanks.

[rugby-137]

Hi djcrtoye

Could you post the photograph and tell us where he`s buried.

Regards

Phil Henry

[Terry Denham]

CWGC inscribed the military details as supplied to them by the military authorities.

The full forename would have been supplied by the relatives on their Final Verification Form sent to them after the war.

[Muerrisch]

Guards Privates were only styled Guardsmen c. 1920. A Guards expert would know exactly. Also, headstones are relaced as needs be, and some details change eg Welsh for Welch.

[Terry Denham]

The UK military has tended to instruct CWGC to inscribe details as they pertained on the day asked - rather than those which were historically correct. Hence the anachronistic use of 'Welch' and RAF badges for RFC etc.

However, some of these anomalies are gradually being reversed when new stones are produced.

[djcrtoye]

Thought you would like to see his grave in Potijze Burial Cemetery

[ian turner]

They are all listed as 'private' on the medal roll index.

Ian

[jaywalker]

Is it my eyesight or is the lettering and badge much crisper on the middle stone, has it been renewed for some reason?

[Owen D]

George V ordered change from Private to Guardsman on 20th November 1918.

Very similar thread here.

http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/i...c=48155&hl=